BILIARY MUCOCELE IN DOGS: DIAGNOSTIC, THERAPEUTIC, AND PROGNOSTIC ASPECTS

Abstract

Biliary mucocele is a relevant hepatobiliary disorder in dogs, characterized by the accumulation of mucoid content within the gallbladder, which may progress to obstruction, rupture, and other complications. This study aimed to address the main aspects related to the disease, with emphasis on clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches, and factors associated with prognosis. A descriptive literature review was conducted based on the collection and analysis of publications addressing the definition, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and progression of the disease. Abdominal ultrasonography stands out as an important diagnostic tool, allowing the identification of characteristic changes and possible complications. Treatment may involve medical management or surgical intervention, with cholecystectomy being mainly indicated in symptomatic cases, those at higher risk, or cases with complications. Prognosis is related to the stage of the disease, the presence of comorbidities, and the occurrence of alterations such as obstruction and peritonitis. It is concluded that early recognition and the integrated assessment of clinical findings and complementary examinations are essential for therapeutic decision-making and the clinical outcome of affected animals.